BORED by retirement, a Hampshire woman has launched a unique car club which uses a vehicle-tracking system to provide peace of mind and money-saving features for its members.

Penny Searles has set up the Smartdriverclub, based in Fareham which uses telematics technology which had previously only been used by insurance firms to help young drivers keep their premiums down by monitoring the way the vehicle was being driven.

After many years holding top jobs in financial services, Penny joined Wunelli, the telematics solutions enabler for the insurance sector, in 2008 and became managing director in 2010, helping the company grow to become a leading innovator in the sector working with 90 per cent of UK insurers.

Penny left the Wunelli in 2015, having overseen the acquisition of the business by LexisNexisRisk Solutions.

“I thought I was going to spend my time on the beach but I got a bit bored,” said Penny.

She realised the telematics technology was not being used to its full potential.

Smartdriverclub members are sent a small device - the Smartplug - which they insert in an easily accessed socket, normally underneath the steering column. All cars made from 2010 are fitted with the socket.

Members can then view all of their services via asmartphone using the free Smartdriverclub Viewpoint app or online via their laptop or tablet.

Among the services offered by the club are automatic emergency assistance, a digital mechanic that can identify faults and theft tracking.

Parents of young drivers can see where their offspring’s car is at any time of the day or night bringing valuable peace of mind.

Journey information available to view online or via the Viewpoint app will show fuel consumption with an eco score – a poor score will tell parents if the car has been driven too fast.

Penny Searles, CEO of Smartdriverclub says: “It’s easy for motorists to get this level of protection in the US, without having to buy a new car, so I wanted to bring the same concept to the UK.

“If you have elderly parents or young drivers in the family and want to make sure they are safe on the road, or have access to faster breakdown services or repairs, then the club can help. We also give lots of ongoing information on fuel efficiency and driving journeys to make it interesting.”

There is a one-time joining fee of £25 and thereafter membership costs £6.60 per month.